Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $47.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Des Moines, IA runs $47.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,974 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dental hygienists in Des Moines, Iowa, earn a median hourly rate of $47.25, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. For those considering part-time work, this rate translates well in a typical schedule; a hygienist working just three days a week could earn a significant income despite not being full-time. Various healthcare settings—such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and specialized periodontal suites—offer unique environments where dental hygienists can thrive. The hourly compensation in the city ranges from $37.65 at the 10th percentile to $48.46 at the 90th percentile, reflecting entry-level pay to those who command higher wages due to experience or specialized skills. This data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting the competitive landscape in which dental hygienists operate.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.65 | $301.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.88 | $335.05 |
| Median (P50) | $47.25 | $378.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.68 | $381.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.46 | $387.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $47.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.25/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $98,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,705. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,890.18 | $8,191 | $98,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,134.11 | $4,914 | $58,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $756.07 | $3,276 | $39,316 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Des Moines) | $47.25 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $98,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.53% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 12.60% above the Iowa state average of $87,288.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.25/hr = $58,974/year (purchasing power: $64,311).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,289/year (purchasing power: $107,185).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.25/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Des Moines (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Des Moines grew 23.7% from $36.40/hr (2020) to $45.03/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.59/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Des Moines
When analyzing the potential earnings for part-time dental hygienists in Des Moines, it becomes clear how different employment structures can impact take-home pay. A hygienist working 24 hours a week could earn around $59,508 annually, a strong income relative to the local cost of living. Per diem or locum tenens positions tend to pay higher, with rates varying from $40 to $60 per hour depending on agency contracts. Major cities often see rates exceed this, indicating a growing trend in temporary placements. Moreover, rates fluctuate based on employer type; private practices usually offer stability, while Dental Service Organizations may provide higher pay but potentially less job security. As many dental hygienists weigh the pros and cons of hourly rates versus benefits like health insurance, negotiating strategies become essential. Knowledge of the local market and appealing to potential employers’ value can lead to better pay opportunities in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Des Moines?
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Career Resources
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov